Gaudiya Vaishnavism is a branch of Hinduism that focuses on devotion and love for Lord Krishna as the ultimate form of God. It was founded by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the 16th century in Bengal, India. Gaudiya Vaishnavism is known for its emphasis on ecstatic bhakti, or devotion, as the means to attain salvation.

The core beliefs of Gaudiya Vaishnavism revolve around the concept of bhakti, or devotion, as the ultimate path to God-realization. Bhakti is seen as a personal and intimate relationship with Lord Krishna, rather than a mere ritualistic practice. This devotion is expressed through various devotional activities such as chanting, singing, dancing, and serving the deity.

Another core belief of Gaudiya Vaishnavism is the concept of Krishna as the supreme and ultimate form of God. Lord Krishna is seen as the source of all creation, the ultimate truth, and the embodiment of divine love. He is also believed to be the source of all other forms of God, including Vishnu and Narayana.

Gaudiya Vaishnavism also places great importance on the concept of lila, which refers to the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna. These pastimes are seen as a means for devotees to develop a personal and intimate relationship with Krishna. The most famous of these pastimes is the Bhagavata Purana, which describes the childhood and youth of Lord Krishna in great detail.

The concept of maya, or illusion, is also a core belief in Gaudiya Vaishnavism. It is believed that the material world is temporary and illusory, and the ultimate goal of a devotee is to transcend this world and attain the eternal spiritual world of Lord Krishna.

Gaudiya Vaishnavism also emphasizes the importance of guru, or spiritual teacher, in the path of devotion. A guru is seen as a necessary guide and mentor who can help a devotee develop a deeper understanding and connection with Lord Krishna.

Finally, Gaudiya Vaishnavism teaches the concept of seva, or selfless service, as an essential aspect of devotion. Devotees are encouraged to serve Lord Krishna and his devotees with love and devotion, without any expectations or desires for personal gain.

In conclusion, Gaudiya Vaishnavism is a path of devotion and love for Lord Krishna, with a strong emphasis on ecstatic bhakti. Its core beliefs revolve around the concepts of devotion, Krishna as the supreme form of God, lila, maya, guru, and seva. These beliefs guide devotees on their journey towards attaining a personal and intimate relationship with Lord Krishna and ultimately, liberation from the cycle of birth and death.